1998 Dodge Durango SLT 5.2 from North America

Summary:

Faults:

The a/c quits after about 2 hours. It's done this since it was new, and the dealer still hasn't fixed it.

The cruise control goes out about every 6 months faithfully.

One boot had to be replaced.

We had to have new shocks.

The power window motors fail on a regular basis.

The engine has made a clunking sound since it was new, and the dealer has found nothing wrong.

The brakes went out at 50,000 miles.

The entire hood and front grille had to be repainted because they started peeling off.

The interior molding has worn horribly.

General Comments:

This is a very impressive car in the test drive. It accelerates well, handles decently, and is very comfortable. I have had quite a few friends ignore me when I warn them of the reliability issues associated with Durangos, and they have all lived to regret it. Though competent, the Durango is not a wise purchase due to its' reliability problems.

9th Feb 2004, 05:48

Hi Steven.

I bought my 98 Durango 2 years ago and it always made the clunking sound too! Its the oil pump screen and it's probably clogged mine was! Another 1000 miles and I would have to replace the whole engine. Since the Durango hit 100k I have replace the water pump, oil pump, transmission lines, and ball joints, arms, boots and seals, now the differential housing and all the gears in the 4wd. I have only used the 4wd about 5 times and only once off the road. I hope this helps you.

21st Sep 2004, 12:13

I have purchased a used 1998 SLT Plus Durango with 93,000 miles on it that was meticulously maintained, but of course, there will be wear and tear. I had it inspected by a licensed mechanic before purchasing it and any problems were fixed.

I have already replaced my front brakes and rotors after only 10,000 miles (after heeding warnings from my husband to go easy on the brakes as they will probably wear fast and I do mainly city driving). This seems way to premature, since my brakes were checked 10,000 miles ago upon purchase.

I'm concerned about the clunking sound when I turn the engine off. Is this what you refer to when you mention clunking sounds from the engine? Can you please clarify as to when you hear the clunking? I cannot afford an engine replacement, and had ignored the sound as harmless until now. E-mail is momtowne@hotmail.com for any constructive input. Thanks.

1998 Dodge Durango SLT 5.2 from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Roller bearings in rear differential were corroded and housing cracked at 39000 miles. Repair cost to have bearings replaces was $650.

Transmission started shifting odd at about 40500 miles. Local transmission specialist had to do a "nine tenths rebuild" on the transmission at a cost of $2068.16.

Rear seats have a very bad design in that it takes rocking the seat back and forth to get it into just the right position before the latch will work to fold them down. I am just about the only one that can release the seats.

I've never had a vehicle rust so easily. I live in north Idaho and sure we have snow here and rock chips can be a problem, but I had rust on my front bumper after the first few months of owning the vehicle brand new.

General Comments:

These user forums are a great way for upset customers to "vent". I'm venting. I bought this vehicle brand new off the lot. I've had fluids changed and levels checked routinely. I am very disappointed in the major repair work needed on a vehicle that only has 41500 miles. I don't off road, and I do very light towing (10 tows per year maybe). A big SUV should expect poor gas mileage, but don't expect much more than 13mpg. With gas prices up it's costing me about $40 per tank to drive less than 300 miles. I'm afraid to say that this is my first American made vehicle and probably my last.

19th Jan 2009, 19:56

I've not heard great things about Durango's either.

Ironically, the Ramcharger, the predecessor of the Durango gets 15mpg (heard of people getting even more with a light foot), despite being much larger and heavier with much older technology with little or no microchips, and has a reputation for low maintenance and the ability to take abuse.

I have a '78 I'm restoring, didn't take much to get it running again, glad I didn't go for a Durango.